Taste Cafe and Marketplace
Address:
5164 N. College Ave.Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone:
317)925-CAFE(2233)
Price:
$$
Type:
American/European
Overall Rating:
8.5/10
Web Site:
http://www.tastecafeandmarketplace.com/index.html

Comments:
Taste as a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The coffee is excellent as well as the food. It is hard to find a place that makes coffee that actually tastes "GOOD"!!.
As far as the food, as of yet I have only tried the mushroom and tomato omelet, but it was delicious. It comes with some very tasty fried potatoes, not hash browns, and not your un of the mill skillet potatoes, but well seasoned potatoes and a biscuit (jelly is available upon request)
If You Go:
Some times parking is a little tough, but not too bad. You order and pay at the counter for your food. If you order coffee, it is self serve when you place your order. The staff will bring your food to your table when it is ready. The service is quick, and the staff if very friendly.
Overall:
Very nice overall. It is something different, not your everyday food joint, and most definitely not a chain restaurant. If you have eaten at Cafe Patachou and like the food, then try Taste Cafe and Marketplace; the food is better, the service is good, and the price/quantity is far superior. Taste Cafe is truly a hidden gem among Indy/Broad Ripple's eating establishments and one well worth checking out.

Cafe Patachou - Broad Ripple

Cafe Patachou
Address:
4911 North Pennsylvania Street. Indianapolis, IN
Phone:
, (317) 925-2823
Price:
$$$ (Considering it is breakfast food)
Type:
American/Some European
Overall Rating:
5/10
Web Site:
http://www.cafepatachou.com/index.htm
Comments:
Cafe Patachou (Penn St) has excellent tasting food and the atmosphere is very nice it tends to feel a little bit retro. Service is excellent the wait staff is very accurate, polite, and always hell bent for election in trying to get your food to you. If you are wanting a full breakfast menu skip Patachou. If you are looking for something that is not your typical breakfast fare, then Patachou fits the bill.
If You Go:
Make sure you are there in time for brunch. Patachou closes early in the afternoon. Be prepared to wait. For some reason there is always a crowd. Also either be prepared to shell out some serious dough for breakfast or be prepared to eat again as soon as you walk out the door because you will probably go away hungry. At $7.25 for an omelet, one would expect something larger than a 1 egg omelet. With your omelet you get some toast, everything else is extra..
Overall:
Although the food is good, it is very expensive for what you get. For example a cup of coffee costs more than the overpriced coffee at Starbucks. I say save your money and take a trip to Chicago's Ann Sathers. Then menu is much more expansive, the food is great tasting, and you won't walk away feeling like you have been cheated.

Marcos - Broad Ripple

Marco's Restaurant and Lounge

Address: 2380 E 54th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
Phone: 317-251-7000
Price: SS
Type: American
Overall Rating: 7/10
Web Site:


Comments:

Marcos has great food and nice atmosphere. It is a little off of the beaten path on the southwest side of Broad Ripple. Marco's is a charmer in a way in that you don't expect the upscale dining considering its location. Recently they added an outdoor patio and so far it is has been pretty popular especially after work. Food is tends to be American with a touch of Italian.
Portions tend to be generous.

If You Go:

If you go during nice weather, ask to sit outside. If you go during colder weather be prepared to wait @ the bar even if you have reservations because the place is really happening especially Friday and Saturday night.b

Overall:

Overall I give the it is a great place to eat, you will walk away feeling full. Although it is somewhat pricy for some, it is not bad considering the quality of food and given its popularity especially among locals.

Abuelos Mexican Restaurant - Indianapolis/Carmel

Abuelos
Address:
14480 Lowes Way, Carmel IN
Phone:
317-815-8175
Price:
$$
Type:
Supposed to Mexican
Overall Rating:
4/10
Web Site:
http://www.abuelos.com

Comments:
I am not sure how this place has survived as chain, because the food is ok, but is not great. It is not even close to being authentic Mexican as it claims, and for the amount of food you get is kind of pricy. Mexican food by nature usually is not pricy. A sure sign that a place is not authentic Mexican is when you don't see any latinos working or eating there. The menu doesn't even include tacos. Ice tea there runs almost $2. Dinner for two with no appetizers or alcoholic beverages was about $38The one thing Abuelo's has going for it is its decor. The decor is quite different from most anything I have seen from a chain. The decor lends itself to post Spanish Guadalajara.
If You Go:
Go for a company lunch when some else is picking up "la cuenta"
Overall:
I didn't feel cheated but I would feel heart broken if I didn't go again. Unless you get some dish with seafood, Mexican food should not cost more than $10 per person, if it does you are not getting the good stuff.